Effective Communication
A huge part of sales is communication so I’m always interested when I see an article on communicating more effectively. I recently came across an article from entrepreneur.com on starting conversations that make quick connections. When you’re a business owner you don’t need to be concerned with communication right? Oh no! Being able to communicate effectively when you’re the boss is crucial to your success. You’re not only in sales but you’re also communicating with employees and customers. So here are some tips I learned that are great for everyone including salespeople and bosses.
The first thing to do when entering into a conversation is to relax. Relaxing for just one minute increases activity in the brain that is key for communication and decision-making. It’s also important to be quiet and present. Shut down all the things going through your brain in order to give your full attention to what the other person is saying.
Take a minute to get yourself pumped up for the conversation if you’re not already feeling positive about it. Also, confirm that you’re on the same page with the person you’re talking to. Know their intentions and goals. Some people will just tell you what they think you want to hear. The conversation is futile without confirming values and goals.
The very first words you speak should be complimentary as well as the last thing you say. Make sure that these positive comments are genuine. Also, speak warmly and slowly; this will gain the trust of the listener. Make sure to keep the pitch of your voice low and stay calm.
And my favorite tip: be brief. We can only retain little bits of information at a time. You don’t want the person you’re talking to lose interest or to not remember because you’re saying too much. And most important remember to be a good listener.
See:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223993